Kolkata: Peak power demand in India has reduced by nearly 30 per cent to 112 gigawatts (GW) per day. It was around 160 GW before the COVID-19 lockdown on March 20.
Experts note that the reduction in peak demand is due to low demand from industries many of which are shut down now. As a result, NTPC is running its thermal plants at reduced capacity shutting 15GW of its 50GW load.
The spot power price came to a three-year low of 60 paise per unit on Wednesday on the Indian Energy Exchange. The average price is usually Rs 2 per unit.
The demand for aviation fuel has also fallen by 15-20 per cent, according to reports.
However, the demand for cooking gas (LPG cylinders) has gone up. Oil companies say that this could be a result of panic buying but have assured that there is no shortage of gas cylinders and distribution network is running efficiently.
